Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2012 7:16:07 GMT -5
After her amazing win, nosing out Innocent Passion to claim The Wire Finish Cup Juvenile Sprint, Lucy was in top form. She was only a two-year-old and she was ready to go against her first big field. With two wins in three starts, her third being against older horses in the Windchime Cup, she was ready, willing, and fit to take on these three year olds. Fiery Touch, Sweeto Cheeto, and Daydream were all in the line-up for today’s race. Serendipity Hills were back in form after Lucy’s win and Emma’s place at the finish cup. It was a spectacular display of speed and power down the home stretch, and even the filly nosed out her brother to win her first start. She was ready, and had some major speed in her. The work in the horse walker on an ‘uphill’ setting had pushed the filly, gaining muscle in her back legs causing her sprinting power to exceed dramatically.[/blockquote]
In Gate One, there was Fiery Touch. This filly was Winning Touch’s half sister. This filly had proved that she had something since her place in the Breeders Cup. She’s done exceptionally well this year, claiming a first and four thirds, keeping 100% consistency for the season. It took Fie a while to break her maiden, but she did so in the July Maiden Dirt in Year Eleven. She finished third in the Alabama Stakes behind the streaking Winning Touch and Paradise Island. Plans call for her to be pointed to the Triple Tiara.
In Gate Two there was Sweeto Cheeto. This colt was the oldest and probably the most experienced horse in the field, also, he was the only colt. He was a great colt, and scored two wins and a second. Cheeto won the Prospect Challenge Stakes and broke his maiden in the Magnolia Maiden Stakes. He has no other racing achievements just yet. In his first start as a four year old under Akita Rose Stable tack, Cheeto was a lot more focused or at least straighter anyway. Time and training with Witch Creek Stable would wipe away the dust and reveal the diamond beneath.
In Gate Three there was the filly who was unraced this year, Daydream. Daydream was probably the best horse in the field. She had a fantastic record as a two year old, earning a win, two places, and three shows. She was definitely a danger, and wasn’t going to let anyone take her down. She hadn’t had a work since her two-year-old season and with her long lay off, she was the freshest in the field. It looked unlikely that Lucy would win with these dangers but would age and maturity play a major part realistically?
I lead her to the entrance of the track before mounting and swinging my leg over the back of the saddle. I stroked her neck as she walked forward, and I placed my feet in the irons. The filly leapt forward with excitement, tossing her mane back and forth. I smiled and she stepped out on to the dirt, pricking her ears and looking around. I let her study the sights. It was new to her, she'd only ever been here once before, but if you count workouts, twice and now I realized it was time to show everyone what she'd got. I smiled and pushed her forward into a powerful walk.
She began to walk energetically, her hooves hitting the dirt and flicking it up behind her. I asked her for a steady trot and she flew forward, breaking into a stride on canter before coming back to a lively trot. She brought her head to her chest and I let her break into an energetic lope. Smiling, I pushed her on a bit more, and she kept at a relaxed canter, almost a gallop. My red hair fell in my face as we entered the back stretch. I pushed her forward again, and I crouched down, sticking my bum out and standing in my stirrups, resting my hands at her withers.
When we came to the five furlong pole, I began to push her on quite hard. I made myself as small as I could as I stretched my arms out, pushing her on. The chestnut filly began to sprint, her stride extended as far as it would go. The furlongs flew by and my crop rose and fell on her rump as we entered the lane. I drove her forward and with each stride, she got quicker and quicker. In the final furlong, she reached her terminal speed, and flew under the wire. I relaxed and stroked her neck. We're ready Lucy. I said. Looking at my stop watch, we just went the final two furlongs in twenty seconds. Good girl!
